1/2 pound

I am currently a Weight Watchers member and was dreading my weigh-in this morning after a week of eating five course dinners and elaborate breakfasts on a cruise ship AND after eating a large, home cooked Thanksgiving meal that included all the butter-laden fixins' imaginable. I am ecstatic to report I lost 1/2 lb. Most people gain weight on cruises and after the holidays.

I have never, ever been more excited to loose a 1/2 lb. in my life. Whoo hoo!

Mullet-be-gone

Elisabeth was blessed with a full head of beautiful hair from birth. For some reason, the back of her hair started to grow faster than her sides, resulting in something similar to a "mullet." I finally couldn't stand this 80's hairdo and took a pair of scissors to remedy the situation.

Miss Mullet

After she was de-mulletfied

Our very own little Cindy Lou Who.

H-A-Double L- O- W- Double E -N

Our family on Halloween.  Sofi was a pumpkin this year.

We carved pumpkins for the first time as a married couple this year.

My pumpkin seeds turned out quite tasty.

We went trick-or-treating to two houses in our neighborhood.  Our neighbors gave Sofi a special treat.

Our little pumpkin and her papa.

Ladybug, ladybug.  Elisabeth was a ladybug this year and was sure cute.

Swing Voter

With great emotion, I happily bid this election season farewell. I am curious to see what Obama does in office... for better or worse. I am also relieved Prop 8 passed, as we were heavily involved with this grassroots movement. Regardless of how anyone voted, I am sure most people can agree with me that this election season was one historic and emotionally intense time.

Sadly, I have decided that I must gracefully withdraw my political registration as a Democrat. There is such a disparity between my conservative social views and the Democrat party that I feel like being a card carrying member doesn't quite fit anymore. Being a Democrat here in CA is A LOT different than being a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Laborer party in MN.

But, before all of you GOPers holler for joy that you won a Democrat over to your side, I must admit I can never be a registered Republican either. Those that know me well will also attest to the fact that I do *not* see eye-to-eye with the Republican party either. I will join my husband as being a completely independant voter - voting according to my conscience for who I think will be the best candidate for the job. And luckily, the Democratic party will still allow me, as a "decline to state" party member, to vote in their primaries.

I was listening to NPR today and am excited to hear that this decision - to become an independent voter - has made me a "swing voter." All parties will have to do their part to win my vote. I may have lost my "Minnesota Democrat" identity but have gained a new one of the "Swing Voter."

Table Manners

We took this as a sign that Ellie B was ready to start on solids.

She wasn't too sure of her rice cereal at first.

Now she can't get enough and wants to lick the bowl clean.

When is it too early to teach table manners?  :-)

Five Alive

Elisabeth's five month birthday has come and gone.  Where did the time go?  Just yesterday she was a tiny newborn, waking up every two hours.  Now she has grown into an active, loving, happy little baby.  She is right on schedule for her development. Here are some interesting facts about Miss E:

•  Rolls both from her front to back and vice versa
• Sleeps about 11 hours each night, uninterrupted
• Sits up without support (2 minutes is the longest stretch so far)
• Loves eating rice cereal in her high chair
  
• Has a keen interest in our dog.  In fact, the sight of Sofi can make her tears stop
• Her favorite book is Snuggle Puppy
• She wakes up with a huge smile on her face (She has her mama's mouth, that is for sure!)
• Gives the most expressive looks, including the sassy look, the "stink eye" and the "I am pretending I am shy" look
• Is very social.  Loves to stare people down until they smile at her which she responds with an huge smile.

We can't help but love her beautiful smile, contagious giggle and cheery disposition.  Not to mention her chubby cheeks!  I may be biased, but a mug like hers is Hollywood worthy.  

Simple Pleasures

Elisabeth sure loves her Papa.